I just got it. This is definitely one of Studio Ghibli's weaker films. I would rank it with the Cat Returns in terms of story quality. The English cast was very good. I like that the English version didn't change any of the character names unlike the American version. I was very shocked that the DVD had no extras other than the multi angle storyboard version. There isn't even one trailer on the DVD.

I look forward to seeing TSWoA! Two days ago, I went to a theater to see Beauty & the Beast in 3D (which was fantastic) and I saw a cool trailer for TSWoA in front of it that had more footage than another English trailer I saw last year.

Little Red Henski wrote:

I just got it. This is definitely one of Studio Ghibli's weaker films. I would rank it with the Cat Returns in terms of story quality.

The Cat Returns is based on scenes Shizuku wrote for her novel in The Whisper of the Heart. TCR having a weak story is probably because it's meant to be written as though by a middle school student who has a lot to learn about being a good storymaker.

I am planning on seeing this the day it comes out, if all goes to plan. I really hope it does well and gives Disney renewed motivation to continue releasing Studio Ghibli films theatrically and on home video over here.

I must say I am baffled as to the low reception this movie is getting by our forum-members..

It's no Miyazaki..because it's NOT

The heartfelt journey of our young heroine is endearing, the animation gorgeous from start to finish..

If flawed, I blame the somewhat short runningtime and the lack of story-development for the boy character.

I own the movie on Bluray and in the interviews that are included one can easily make out the huge input the young director received from Miyazaki. That would of course be a welcome thought to anyone, however I can't help but feel that Yonebayashi's vision is slightly overshadowed by
Miyazaki's.. Miyazaki provided the story treatment.

I was amazed by some of the statements given by this great Animation Buff..
He pointed out that Japanese animators have a very limited/restricted train of thought..so as that they were unable to place this story in it's original 'english' setting, despite a research trip to England.

''They will contuinue drawing Japanese people and Japanese settings, they simply prefer it to what is there to work with..''

Very interesting stuff and well-worth viewing.

This is the type of interview one expects to find on Bluray!!
(Disney, eat your heart out )

_________________When it comes to brains, I got the lion-share,
but when it comes to bruth strength, I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool

I must say I am baffled as to the low reception this movie is getting by our forum-members..

It seems like Ghibli films rarely generate much chatter on this board. I think it's partly because these aren't technically Disney films and partly because most members don't care too much for anime. I'm pretty stoked for it, seeing Ponyo in theaters was great! I have a lot of the larger Ghibli releases on DVD/Blu ray.

Disney seems to be putting a fair amount of effort behind pushing this film. They've been tweeting and posting on their Arrietty page on Facebook pretty regularly, and I just received a DMR email promoting the film. I hope they are running TV spots, but I don't watch TV or have cable, so I wouldn't know!

The Ghibli Blog is reporting that "Disney will open "Arrietty" on at least 1200 screens, in what will be its largest Ghibli release in the U.S. As comparison, "Ponyo" opened on about 900 screens, and "Spirited Away" opened on 750 screens."

I hope this film is a successs in North America and Disney starts releasing the Blu-rays at a better pace. We've only got 2 titles available here so far!

no joy at the aussie cinemas i stopped into [surfers paradise and pacific fair] so will have to wait for the dvd. also called into a local cinema and the manager there had never heard of studio ghibli or even spirited away and howls moving castle... two movies i remember did very well.

I'm looking forward to seeing it opening day as I did with Ponyo. I'm especially happy to see it has 23 positive reviews on RT out of 25. 92% is pretty solid although I'd see it no matter what they said.

I'm another member who's excited to see it! I'm not sure if I'll see it in theatres, though (I don't go to the theatres very often), but I'll definitely rent it. It looks gorgeous, and I love Ghibli characters. They're written so sensitively.

On another note, while I was shelving at the library not too long ago, I put away a book called George Shrinks by William Joyce. The cover reminded me of the American poster. I'm not trying to say Ghibli ripped it off or anything. It's just pretty similar.

I originally wasn't planning on seeing this in theaters, but I just might take two of my kids on Sunday to see it. Particularly because my 9-yr-old son saw the previews and said he wanted to see it.
I'd say I'm about 85% sure I'll see this on Sunday. If so, I'll let you know what I think! We did like Ponyo.....

Do you think this movie could get a nomination for best animated picture, along with Pixar's, "Brave," at the 2013 Golden Globes and 2013 Academy Awards, since, "Spirited Away?" I can feel victory in my bones. Just a thought.

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